My 3 year old rescued Border Collie appears to be afraid of the dark. We have only had him since Easter and of course the daylight hours were longer then. We noticed in the summer that if we were sitting out in the evening he would slink back into the house once darkness started to fall and could not be persuaded to come back out. Of course now that it is dark so early he is very reluctant to go out, takes one look upwards at the sky and wants to go back inside. Our other collie is fine but he wont join her ouitside after dark and although he will walk on the lead he is very clingy and wont go to the toilet!
Anyone ever come across this and if so any suggestions?

As a rescue did you know about his background? Could he have been locked up in a dark room / shed for extended period of times :(....or has he always been kept in of a night with artificial lighting on...... just ideas :)

Quite possibly both of you suggestions about his background could fit, as we were told he had been bred for showing but hadn't made the grade, maybe he'd been left locked up?
Does anyone have an idea on how to build his confidence to go out in the dark?

Bon do an internet search on PRA in border collies. Its only a thought but one you seriously need to rule out
caroline

I agree with Caroline. The night blindness form of PRA could well be the reason. I would get the dog checked out by a KC/BVA/ISDS ophthalmologist rule this out before going any further. If you know the reason dealing with it is so much easier.

Regards, John

make going out for walks fun, being a border collie he proberly loves to play chase. if so take him out in the garden when its dark with the toy, throw it around to see if he will go and play. even if he only does it once, you can slowly extend it!